Signed Into Law
79 bills
Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
# Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act Summary This bill, which has been signed into law, requires the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule at the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The time capsule will contain a joint letter written by current congressional leaders, along with other items that Congress decides to include. The capsule will be sealed and remain unopened until July 4, 2276—250 years later. The bill primarily affects Congress and the Capitol's operations, as it directs the Architect of the Capitol to oversee the project. There are no significant costs or controversial provisions mentioned; it's a symbolic gesture meant to preserve a message from today's Congress for future generations to discover in the year 2276. The main practical impact is the creation of this historical artifact as part of America's 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.
# Summary of HJRES 142 **What It Does:** This bill nullifies a tax law that Washington, D.C.'s city council passed in December 2025. The D.C. law had "decoupled" or separated D.C.'s tax code from certain federal tax changes that automatically became D.C. law. By passing this resolution, Congress is essentially overriding the D.C. council's decision and restoring those federal tax provisions in D.C., including a higher standard tax deduction, an exemption for tipped wages from income tax, and accelerated depreciation rules for commercial properties. **Who It Affects:** D.C. residents and businesses are the primary groups affected. The bill impacts individual taxpayers (especially those who rely on tips), businesses that own nonresidential real estate, and the D.C. government's tax revenue. This is a dispute between Congress and D.C.'s local government over how much D.C. can control its own tax policy. **Key Context:** D.C. normally must automatically adopt federal tax law changes. Congress used this joint resolution—a tool available only in Congress—to override D.C.'s attempt to opt out of certain federal tax provisions that came from a broader federal tax bill (H.R. 1). The bill has already been signed into law.
La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
# La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act – Summary **What the Bill Does:** This law allows the Department of the Interior to sell approximately 3,400 acres of federally-managed land in La Paz County, Arizona, to the county government at fair market value. The stated purpose is to enable solar energy development and job creation in the region. The land will no longer be available for federal mining or mineral leasing operations. **Key Protections and Conditions:** The law includes several safeguards for cultural and environmental concerns. The federal government must exclude any land containing significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources from the sale. Additionally, La Paz County and any future owners must work with the Colorado River Indian Tribes to identify and protect tribal artifacts, minimize disturbance to these items, and allow tribal representatives to rebury any artifacts that are discovered during development activities. **Status:** This bill was signed into law during the 119th Congress, sponsored by Representative Paul Gosar (R-Arizona). It has already been enacted and is currently in effect.
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
# Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act – Summary **What the Bill Does** This law allows the Treasury Department to permanently access death records from the Social Security Administration to prevent the government from accidentally sending benefit payments to deceased people. Previously, the Social Security Administration was only required to share its "Death Master File" with the Treasury Department's "Do Not Pay" system for three years. This bill makes that data-sharing arrangement permanent, helping catch and stop improper payments before they happen. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects people receiving government benefits (Social Security, disability payments, etc.) and taxpayers, since it aims to reduce wasted taxpayer money. It also impacts the Social Security Administration and Treasury Department, which will continue coordinating to identify deceased benefit recipients. **Key Provision** The main change is converting a temporary three-year authorization into a permanent one, ensuring ongoing access to death records to identify cases where payments are still being made to people who have passed away. **Current Status** The bill was signed into law, meaning it is now in effect.
Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025
# Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 – Summary **What It Does** This law makes administrative changes to how bankruptcy cases are managed in federal courts. Specifically, it increases fees paid to trustees who oversee Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases (where individuals or businesses liquidate assets to pay debts) and extends fees for Chapter 11 cases (where businesses reorganize to continue operating) for another five years. The law also adjusts fee percentages for large cases and extends temporary bankruptcy judgeships in various federal districts for five additional years. **Who It Affects** The changes primarily affect people and businesses filing for bankruptcy, as they may face higher administrative fees. Bankruptcy trustees, who are responsible for managing cases, will receive increased compensation. Federal bankruptcy courts also benefit from the extended judgeships, helping them handle caseloads more effectively. **Current Status** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. It was sponsored by Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) and passed through Congress.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
# Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 - Plain Language Summary **What It Does:** This bill allocates federal funding for five major government departments and agencies for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. It covers spending for the Department of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State Department, and several related agencies. The bill also provides temporary funding (through February 13, 2026) for the Department of Homeland Security while Congress continues work on its full budget. Additionally, it extends various federal programs and authorities that were set to expire. **Who It Affects:** This legislation impacts millions of Americans by funding essential government services, including military operations, Social Security and Medicare administration, education programs, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and diplomatic operations. Federal employees in these departments are also affected, as the bill determines their agencies' budgets and operations. **Current Status:** The bill has already been signed into law, so it is now in effect. This means the appropriations it provides are currently funding these federal departments and agencies. Congress still needs to complete the remaining seven appropriations bills for other federal departments to fully fund the entire government for FY2026.
Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
# Summary: FY2026 Appropriations Bill (HR 6938) **What It Does:** This bill allocates federal funding for fiscal year 2026 across three major areas: commerce and justice agencies, energy and water projects, and interior and environmental programs. It combines three of the 12 regular appropriations bills into one package and determines how much money various federal departments will receive for their operations and initiatives during that year. **Who It Affects:** The bill impacts numerous federal agencies and the programs they run, including the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It ultimately affects Americans by determining funding levels for everything from law enforcement and scientific research to national parks, water projects, and environmental protection. **Key Provisions & Status:** The bill covers funding for a wide range of activities including scientific research, infrastructure projects, law enforcement operations, energy development, and management of public lands and natural resources. According to the information provided, the bill has already been **signed into law**, meaning it has been approved by Congress and the President and is now in effect.
Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
# Trafficking Survivors Relief Act - Summary **What It Does:** This law allows people who were victims of human trafficking to have certain criminal convictions vacated (thrown out) and arrest records erased. The bill recognizes that trafficking victims may have committed crimes—like theft, prostitution, or drug offenses—as a direct result of being trafficked. It creates a legal process for survivors to petition courts to clear these convictions and records, essentially giving them a fresh start. The law also allows lawyers' grants meant for crime victims to be used to help trafficking survivors pursue this relief. **Who It Affects:** Human trafficking survivors are the primary beneficiaries. The law also affects the criminal justice system, which must process these motions, and government agencies tasked with tracking the program's impact. Courts will need to evaluate whether crimes were committed under duress due to trafficking. **Key Provision:** A defendant can now prove they committed a crime under duress by showing they were a human trafficking victim at the time. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on how many survivors use this process and what impact it has. **Status:** This bill was signed into law in 2025.
FAST VETS Act
# FAST VETS Act Summary **What It Does:** The FAST VETS Act improves job training and employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Specifically, it requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update a veteran's personalized vocational rehabilitation plan if their employment situation changes significantly—such as when their disability worsens or their original job goals become unrealistic. Currently, the VA only reviews these plans once a year, but this bill ensures they can be revised sooner if circumstances warrant it. **Who It Affects:** This law primarily benefits veterans who have disabilities connected to their military service and are enrolled in the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment program. These veterans receive job training, skills instruction, and employment support to help them transition to civilian work. The bill also affects the VA, which administers these services. **Current Status:** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy. It was introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR) during the 119th Congress.
Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act
# Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This law excludes disability compensation that veterans receive for service-connected injuries from counting as "income" when they apply for housing assistance through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This means disabled veterans can qualify for more housing help without their disability payments disqualifying them or reducing their benefits. The law also requires a government audit to examine how disability compensation is treated across all Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs to identify any inconsistent rules. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill primarily helps disabled veterans seeking affordable housing assistance. By not counting disability compensation as income, it makes it easier for these veterans to qualify for community development grants and housing programs. The audit requirement ensures the federal government reviews whether other housing programs have similar rules, potentially helping standardize how they treat veteran disability payments. **Current Status** The bill has been signed into law and is now in effect.
VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act
# VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act Summary **What It Does** This law requires an independent audit of funding problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—Congress's independent watchdog agency—must investigate why the Veterans Benefits Administration ran short on funds in 2024 and why the Veterans Health Administration is expected to face a shortfall in 2025. The VA must then provide this audit report to Congress, ensuring lawmakers have the information they need to understand what went wrong. **Who It Affects** The law primarily affects veterans who rely on VA benefits and healthcare, as well as VA staff and leadership. Congress will also be affected, as the law gives them detailed information to oversee VA operations and make decisions about future funding. **Current Status** This bill has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. The law is relatively straightforward—it doesn't change VA benefits or programs themselves, but rather creates a requirement for transparency and accountability regarding budget management issues.
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025
# Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Does:** This law changes which types of milk schools can serve through the National School Lunch Program. Previously, schools were limited to offering fat-free or low-fat milk to align with federal dietary guidelines. The new law allows schools to offer whole milk, reduced-fat milk, low-fat milk, and fat-free milk—all in flavored or unflavored varieties. Schools can choose to serve organic or regular milk. **Who It Affects:** The law primarily impacts students participating in the National School Lunch Program, which serves millions of school children nationwide. It also affects school administrators and food service staff who manage meal options. Additionally, the law makes it easier for students with dietary restrictions to get milk substitutes—parents can now request them with a written statement from a physician, whereas previously only a licensed physician's statement was accepted. **Current Status:** This bill has been signed into law and is now in effect. It represents a shift in federal nutrition policy for school meals, giving schools more flexibility in the types of milk they offer rather than requiring them to follow the specific fat-content guidelines in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025
# Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This law extends a federal program that gives Alaska Native veterans who served in Vietnam the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of federal land in Alaska. Previously, eligible veterans and their heirs had until December 29, 2025, to apply for their land allotment. The new law pushes that deadline back five years to December 29, 2030, giving more people time to submit applications. **Who It Affects** The bill benefits Alaska Native veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971 (during the Vietnam War), as well as their heirs. The program is administered by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, which reviews and approves applications. **Current Status** The bill has already been signed into law, so it is now in effect. The extension gives eligible applicants an additional five years beyond the original 2025 deadline to claim their land benefits.
Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act
# Summary of HR 1491: Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act **What the Bill Does** This bill changes how the IRS handles tax refunds when federal tax deadlines are postponed due to disasters (like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods) or other emergencies. Specifically, it ensures that when the IRS postpones a tax filing deadline because of a disaster, that postponement counts as an official "extension" for calculating how far back the IRS can look when determining the size of a tax refund. Without this change, people affected by disasters could potentially receive smaller refunds because the postponement wouldn't count toward the three-year lookback period used to determine refund eligibility. **Who It Affects** This law primarily benefits taxpayers in areas affected by federally declared disasters or emergencies. It ensures they're not penalized with reduced refunds simply because the IRS extended their filing deadline due to circumstances beyond their control. **Status** The bill has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. It was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Murphy (R-NC).
MAPWaters Act of 2025
# MAPWaters Act of 2025 Summary **What It Does** The MAPWaters Act, signed into law in 2025, requires the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior to create a unified, standardized system for collecting and sharing information about public access to federal waterways. The agencies must develop common data standards so their databases work together seamlessly, then digitize and publish this information online for public use. Within five years, people should be able to easily find maps and details about where they can fish, boat, or otherwise recreate on federal waters, as well as any restrictions that apply. **Who It Affects** This law primarily benefits outdoor enthusiasts—anglers, boaters, kayakers, and others who want to access federal waterways for recreation. It also affects the Forest Service and Department of the Interior, which must coordinate their efforts and invest time and resources into standardizing their data systems. Hunters and fishers will have clearer information about where they can legally fish and hunt. **Current Status** The bill has already been signed into law and is in effect, meaning the agencies are now required to meet the five-year deadline to have all the geographic data digitized and publicly available online.
Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act
# Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act Summary **What It Does:** This law extends funding and authorization for scientific research on the Great Lakes through 2030. The U.S. Geological Survey's Great Lakes Science Center will continue studying fish populations, invasive species, and ecosystem health to help manage fisheries in the region. The research supports both U.S. and Canadian fishery management efforts since the Great Lakes are shared between the two countries. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects fishing communities, environmental agencies, and states bordering the Great Lakes (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York). The research helps inform decisions that impact both commercial and recreational fishing industries and ecosystem preservation efforts in the region. **Key Provisions:** The law authorizes continued funding for monitoring fishery resources, studying invasive species that damage the ecosystem, and developing scientific tools to support better fishery management decisions. It operates under a binational framework, meaning the U.S. research coordinates with Canadian efforts. **Status:** Signed into law (already passed and in effect).
Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act
# Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill extends the Congressional Award Program through 2028. The program recognizes and encourages young Americans who demonstrate service, leadership, and personal achievement. The law also makes a minor change to how award medals are manufactured by removing a requirement that they be made with specific materials (gold-plated bronze, rhodium-plated bronze, or plain bronze), giving administrators more flexibility in production. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects young people participating in the Congressional Award Program, as well as the board that runs the program. The program serves youth across the country who engage in volunteer work and community service. **Current Status** This bill has been signed into law, so it is now in effect as of October 1, 2023.
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
# Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act Summary **What the bill does:** This law extends and updates programs that address marine debris—trash and pollution in the ocean—through 2029. It reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program and the Marine Debris Foundation, which work to identify, prevent, and clean up ocean debris that harms marine life, fishing, and navigation. The bill gives NOAA more flexibility in how it partners with other organizations and funds cleanup projects. **Who it affects:** The law benefits environmental organizations, fishing communities, coastal states, and indigenous groups working on ocean conservation. It also affects NOAA and partner organizations that receive funding or work with the government on marine debris initiatives. **Current status:** This bill has already been signed into law and is in effect.
Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act
# Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This law directs the federal government to transfer approximately 40 acres of land in South Dakota to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The land will be placed in "restricted fee" status, meaning the tribes own it but cannot sell or lease it without federal approval. The site will be preserved as a memorial and sacred place commemorating the Wounded Knee Massacre, a historical tragedy that occurred in 1890. Commercial development and gambling operations are prohibited on the land. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiaries are the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, who gain ownership and control of the land for memorial and spiritual purposes. The bill honors Native American history and provides these tribes with a sacred site to preserve their cultural heritage. **Current Status:** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official legislation. It was sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson, a Republican from South Dakota, and received bipartisan support.
Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025
# Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 – Summary **What It Does** This bill extends federal payments to states and counties that contain federal land (like national forests) through 2026, with funding specifically allocated for 2024 and 2025. These payments help fund schools and community services in rural areas. The bill also extends until 2028 the ability of counties and resource advisory committees to use these funds for local projects—such as infrastructure, education, or resource management—giving communities more time to plan and implement initiatives. **Who It Affects** Rural schools and counties with significant federal land holdings are the primary beneficiaries. This typically includes communities in western states where national forests and other federal lands are prevalent. These payments are an important revenue source for rural school districts and local governments that would otherwise receive property tax income from privately-owned land. **Current Status** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. The reauthorization ensures that rural communities will continue receiving these federal payments and maintaining flexibility in how they use the funds through at least 2028.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
# National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 - Summary **What It Does** This bill authorizes funding and sets policies for the Department of Defense, the military, and related national security agencies for fiscal year 2026. It approves spending for military equipment like aircraft, ships, and missiles; determines how many active-duty and reserve troops the military can have; and establishes rules for military healthcare, pay, and benefits. The bill also covers policies for the Department of Energy's national security programs, the Coast Guard, the State Department, and U.S. intelligence agencies. **Who It Affects** This legislation impacts active-duty service members, military reservists, military retirees and veterans, defense contractors and manufacturers, and federal employees in national security agencies. It also affects foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding relationships with Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific nations. **Key Provisions & Status** The bill addresses military acquisitions and contracting, cyber operations, interactions with foreign nations, and various military personnel matters including compensation and healthcare. The bill has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect.
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as the "Oscar J. Upham Post Office".
# Summary of S 2283 **What the Bill Does** This bill renames the post office building located at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma to the "Oscar J. Upham Post Office." The change is purely ceremonial and honors Oscar J. Upham by giving his name to the facility. It does not affect the postal service's operations or funding. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects the Guthrie, Oklahoma community and postal facility. It was sponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. The post office building will officially bear Oscar J. Upham's name going forward.
Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025
# Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does:** This law improves how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles cases where someone managing a veteran's benefits (called a fiduciary) misuses that money through fraud or negligence. The bill requires the VA to establish clearer procedures and timelines for determining when the VA itself was negligent in overseeing these fiduciaries. It also speeds up reimbursement by preventing the VA from delaying payments while investigating whether the VA made mistakes—those investigations can happen separately from the reimbursement process. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** Veterans and their families who have been victims of fiduciary fraud are the primary beneficiaries. The law also clarifies what happens if a veteran passes away before receiving their reimbursement—the money goes to surviving beneficiaries using the same process as other VA death benefits. Additionally, the VA is not required to investigate its own negligence for every single instance of misuse, reducing bureaucratic delays. **Current Status:** This bill has already been signed into law, so these protections are now in effect.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025
# Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This law requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to reject educational programs at schools that charge out-of-state tuition rates to veterans using Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve benefits, even when those veterans actually live in the state where the school is located. In other words, if a veteran is physically present and living in a state, schools can no longer charge them the higher out-of-state rate while they're using these specific military education benefits. **Who It Affects** The law directly benefits members of the military reserves who use Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve education benefits to pay for college or training programs. It also affects colleges and universities that previously could charge out-of-state tuition under these circumstances. The goal is to save these veterans money by ensuring they pay in-state tuition rates when attending schools in their home state. **Current Status** This bill was signed into law in 2025, so it is now in effect. It addresses a fairness concern where reserve members using these education benefits were being charged higher tuition rates despite living in-state, and requires schools to offer in-state pricing or risk losing VA approval for their programs.